“It wasn’t until we got out there that we realised it was a bigger rescue,” Richard said.

“We had to get the three people into the boat because the waves were too big to put them on the board and paddle in.

“We got them on therapy oxygen to make sure nothing happened.”

The 16-year-old said it was not until 20 minutes after the event that he realised how serious it could have been.

“It’s just all adrenaline and instinct at the start,” he told the North Shore Times.

“I’ve done a couple of small rescues, but this was my first mass rescue.

“The other Knox boys, some of the younger ones only got their Bronze Medallion two weeks before. It was a nice introduction for them.”Richard, of Waverton, has only been a surf lifesaver for about two seasons, with the first half of his first season spent in training.

He said after he finished his second season he had decided to get more qualifications.

“It’s a pretty good sport,” he said.

“Who wouldn’t want to spend their Saturday on the beach instead of playing basketball inside.

“I originally played basketball, but got injured and couldn’t do physical activity, so surf lifesaving was a good option as I’ve always been a surfer.”

Richard said his main inspiration in the role was club captain Lara Boyle, who was awarded NSW Lifesaver of the Year.

“She’s always there at the club and always there with a smile,” he said.

The students in the patrol group Oscar Press, James Pegg, Angus Kellaway, Harrison Muller, Dylan Gay, Jack Bregenhoj, Sydney Robertson and Nicholas Dijohn were initially awarded Rescue of the Month for November 2016.

This meant they were eligible for the Rescue of the Year award.

Richard said he was the only one at the awards night.

“We didn’t expect to be awarded for it,” he said.

“It was such a surprise and such a good feeling.

“Sometimes people are hard to save because they don’t think they need it.

“But the people at this rescue couldn’t complain, because by the time we got out there, they realised they were in trouble.”

Knox students patrol at Whale Beach each Saturday throughout the summer sports season, with the relationship between the Whale Beach SLSC and Knox dating back to 1999.

Want to get involved?

Whether you are a pro on the rescue board, can keep a cool head during first aid, want to learn some new skills or just love hanging out and flipping burgers on the barbie, there is a place for you at Whale Beach Surf Life Saving Club!